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Ethylene glycol and other dihydric alcohols are colorless, oily liquids, odorless and sweet in taste. They mix well with water and many organic solvents.
In addition to their use as solvents, they are used as components of antifreeze fluids for car radiators and for the production of certain cosmetics. Acute poisoning with ethylene glycol, which is the most toxic of this group of compounds, occurs basically only by the oral route, because it is not very volatile and is not absorbed through the skin. The most common cause is confusion with alcohol.
Symptoms of poisoning
Symptoms in the form of intoxication and coma are similar to those of ethyl alcohol poisoning, they increase slowly. During the intracorporeal changes of ethylene glycol, oxalic acid is formed, which precipitates in the form of crystals in the walls of the vessels, mainly of the brain and kidneys. An eye-catching symptom is severe acidosis, as in methyl alcohol poisoning. Death (early) can occur from damage to the central nervous system or (late) from damage to the kidneys. Kidney changes are similar to oxalic acid poisoning.
First aid
Immediate induction of vomiting, administration of medicinal charcoal in water solution. Securing basic life activities. Necessity to contact a poison control center and transport the patient immediately, for specialist treatment as soon as possible.
Read also: Poisoning